Add yeast, sugar, and 1 cup of warm water to small bowl. Wait a few minutes for yeast to bloom.
In a large mixing bowl add flour and salt. Can also add turmeric or baking soda (if using it). Mix well.
Add water yeast mixture to flour mixture. Mix until combined and add extra warm water if needed to form a very soft almost sticky dough ball. With hands spread one tablespoon of neutral oil onto the bara dough. Cover with a kitchen towel.
Let rest or soak for 1-2 hours or longer if possible about 4 hours for a softer bara. It can be also made the night before and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When ready to fry heat oil on stove top to high heat.
With oiled hands, portion the bara dough into 16 pieces. Divided the dough in half. Half each piece to form 4 pieces. Then form each of those pieces into 4 to make 16 pieces. Form into soft balls and cover.
Place neutral oil onto your countertop. With well oiled hands and countertop spread each dough ball to form a very thin/flat circle. It does not have to be a perfect circle and if it tears a little in some spots, it's ok.
Place flattened dough into hot oil. Fry each side for 10-15 seconds about 20-30 seconds altogether. Remove bara with thongs and place into a covered cast iron pot lined with paper towels to keep warm.